Gestión y participación local para el aprovechamiento sostenible de desechos orgánicos del palo santo (Bursera Graveolens), en el bosque seco semideciduo del sur occidente de la provincia de Loja, Ecuador

Abstract

Agroforestry farmers pick up fruits from Bursera graveolens tree to sell them and improve the economy in the dry tropical forest (DTF) in Southern Ecuador. However, the impact of this actions over the trees and DTF is unknown. To determine the current state of this ecosystem , farmers were characterized from the social and product ion points of view ; local knowledge about the use of the tree was also evaluated. Vermicompost was made to value the residues from essential oil extraction ; also, biodegradation by fungí was studied and the residues found to be optima! far agricultura! activities . The proposal is a management plan of DTF emphasizing the use of B. graveolens tree.